There has been an increase in breast cancer cases due to factors ranging from family history, alcohol consumption, smoking, increased exposure to radiation and improved diagnosis. Here are a few tips you can follow to help prevent breast cancer.

Screen your breasts regularly – Screening your breasts or conducting a self-examination on your breasts helps you detect any abnormalities early enough for possible treatment if necessary. Especially for young women, it is important that a self-examination is conducted regularly, every day if possible.

Quit smoking – Women who smoke are twice as likely to have breast cancer than women who do not. It is advised that you avoid smoking to reduce risk of breast cancer.

Avoid alcohol – Alcohol increases your risk of getting hormone receptor positive breast cancer by increasing your levels of estrogen and other hormones associated with it. 

Control your weight – Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. This is especially true if obesity occurs later in life, particularly after menopause.

Exercise regularly – Engaging in regular exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight, which helps lower your risk of getting breast cancer. Many studies conducted over the past 20 years have shown consistently that an increase in physical activity is linked to a lower breast cancer risk.

Know your family history – Knowing your family history helps you assess whether you are at a higher risk of breast cancer. This helps you make better decisions about your body and health. 

Eat healthy – Avoid eating highly processed foods or meat and foods that contain some cancer causing chemicals. Eating a healthy diet will help lower your risk of getting certain cancers, as well as heart disease and diabetes. Eating healthy also helps us to maintain a healthy weight.

Drink lots of water – Regular consumption of clean drinking water helps prevent cancer by promoting a healthy immune system and helping with the body’s acid base balance. It also helps wash away waste that may become toxic to the body.

Regular checkups – A regular checkup by your doctor helps you screen for breast cancer. This can be done yearly. Your doctor may recommend a mammogram to see the inside of your breasts for any abnormal changes.

Breastfeed – Women who breast feed are at a lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who do not. It is recommended that women who can should breast feed.

Be vigilant about your breast cancer detection. If you notice any changes, consult your doctor.